Okay, so we are all advocates for an underdog, and I am not about to turn away some handmade pieces catered to me! Being a small freelancer and lover of all things handmade, I will gladly support and champion anyone in the same effort. Here are a few of my favorite small businesses and creators that I had the pleasure to speak with and gain more insight into, as well as a few bonus ones that I have fallen in love with.
- Nana’s Bandanas
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We all know I had to include dogs in this somehow, and what better way than bandanas made by a grandmother and granddaughter duo. The granddaughter, Anna Louden, is a volunteer trainer with 4 Paws for Ability and is currently fostering and training a dog, Aendee. Not to mention, they are also incredibly affordable, with prices ranging up to only $7 for a large bandana. They also sell bow ties and bows, which are just as adorable as all their bandanas. Of course, their models are the real stars, with Aendee being their primary model (pictured above). They have an incredibly large variety of patterns to choose from, which can be found on their Instagram linked below! They are incredibly affordable, flexible to what you want and have dogs scattered all throughout their posts, so really, what more could you ask for?
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nanas__bandanas/
- Rosebud Scrunchies
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I have a very deep love for scrunchies and crafts, so obviously there was going to be some type of sewing business on here! The business owner’s name is Rachel Gross, and, believe me, you will not be disappointed by the massive selection and variety of all her products! She has everything from hand-sewn masks to scrunchies to hand-painted letters and so much more! She also prices everything so my broke college self can still afford her incredibly aesthetically-pleasing pieces. The name of her shop comes from her relationship with her flower-loving grandmother, which is just so wholesome and sweet, you will not be able to refuse all the flower-themed things in her shop. Not to mention, she also has sales, so be sure to check back frequently so you can catch the best products, which, let’s be honest, you really cannot lose with silk scrunchies and cute decor. Also, eco-friendly bonus, she uses plastic-free packaging and ships internationally so you will not miss out on anything! I truly cannot recommend her shop more, and she really does have something for everyone, so please do yourself a favor and check it out through the links below!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rosebudscrunchies/
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/rosebudscrunchies/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rosebudscrunchies?
Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/rosebudscrunchies
- Content Creator Appreciation: Haley Reash-Henz
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Okay, so I know Haley personally, and know how genuine they are! I have seen them grow from high school, and their fashion has changed so much over the years, with each look remaining absolutely jaw-dropping! As you can tell from this absolutely stunning photo, they are incredibly talented. I have become really inspired by them over the years, and they are a large part of why I started making and heavily altering my own clothes, and I assure you they will have the same creative influence on you! In the past, they have worked with a few independent brands for sponsorships and have also worked with wellness foundations to provide students with daily mental wellness. They represent body-positivity as a non-binary, loving individual, and I could not recommend them more! I promise they are such an inspirational content creator that promotes comfortability within yourself and self-fulfillment.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hly.bee/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hly.bee?lang=en
- KFR Photography
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Of course, you have to save the best for last! Of course, all these creators are wonderful, but I have massive respect for photographers/videographers because I know the process the best, and therefore know what goes into it! I will be the first to admit, photography is damn hard. It is especially difficult to capture a once-in-a-lifetime moment at just the right lighting and angling that it captures a moment perfectly. I work most heavily with video, so I get the great privilege to sort through thousands of frames until I find the best one, which is a lazy way out of photography that is definitely not the same. The girl that runs this small (but mighty) company, is an expert in her field if I have ever seen one! I have had the honor of working with her on past projects, and she is so genuine and kind that you honestly wonder how someone so talented is behind the scenes. She does so many different forms of photography work that you can choose from, including graduation photos, weddings, still prints (that you can buy now!), headshots and likely anything else you can think of! I am attaching her website and YouTube links below, so please do yourself a favor and check them out! Everything is priced at a really great discount, especially for college students that are looking for affordable yet well-done pieces. Even if you just want to geek out over her gorgeous shots, keep her in mind for future shoots or send a direct message and schedule an appointment (which is another feature on her website). Please reach out, and I promise you will not be disappointed!
Website: kfrphotography.org
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kfr_photography/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNlKSV5_haaRYcRameZagJA (or just search KFR Photography)
- Bonus (Personal Favorites)
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I wanted to create an additional list of my favorites that I could not interview but I feel more people should know about, so I will attach websites and Instagrams with the names so you can fall in love with them too!
Violet and Honey Shop (Polymer Clay Earrings that are adorably wholesome)
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/violetandhoneyshop/
Arreaofcreation (They print and customize a large array of things that you can only see for yourself how amazingly talented they are in the link below)
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arraeofcreation/
Offbeat Vibes (they’re a small jewelry business that I fell in love with as soon as I saw their insanely uniquely adorable pieces — and affordable prices)
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/offbeat.vibes/
Being an entrepreneurship minor, I really do have a deep love for all startups, and I think that love transcends through thousands of other people, so keep shopping small! Allow this as a friendly opportunity to splurge a bit on yourself and help another creator! And as always, do not forget to promote them!